Their Origin
Although the munchkin cat breed has recently been recognized and popularized relatively a few years ago, the truth is that its presence has already been documented about it in the early 1940s. Dr. HE Williams Jones described in a British report the appearance of four generations of short-legged cats. He also indicated in this same document that they were physically similar to the rest of the cats. Except for the length of their limbs. However, this lineage disappeared during the Second World War. It was not until 1956 in Russia and 1970 in the U.S. that new indications of the existence of this breed were recorded again.
Despite the recorded documents, it was in the 80s, in Rayville, Louisiana (United States). When the munchkin breed was officially rediscovered by Sandra Hockenedel. She is a music teacher when she found one of these cats pregnant. The teacher decided to adopt her and name her Blackberry. Also, they’d start breeding the munchkin cat with her and one of the short-legged male pups she had, Toulouse.
The International Cat Association (TICA) recognized the munchkin cat breed and included it in its development program in September 1994. The Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFE), by contrast, has not yet recognized it.
Physical Characteristics of the Munchkin Cat
Physically, the munchkin cat resembles the rest of the cat breeds. Since the only difference is in the length of its legs. Thus, the most characteristic physical feature of the munchkin is its short legs. While the hind legs are slightly larger than the front ones. So, is not strange to see the munchkin resting on their hind legs and showing the front ones collected. Just like kangaroos do!
Since the only requirement to consider themselves munchkin is to have very short legs, this feline breed accepts all colors and facial features, since it is even possible to observe munchkin cats with the face of a Persian cat. Or, the shades of a Siamese cat or the mantle of the angora. In this sense, it should also be noted that we find munchkin cats with long, medium, and short hair. The short-haired munchkin has a fluffy, fluffy cloak, while the long-haired munchkin has a silky, semi-long coat, adapted to all types of weather.
Regarding the average weight of the munchkin cat, males usually range from 3-5 kg. Females usually weigh between 2-4 kg. Due to this average, this adorable and unique looking feline is considered one of the smallest breeds of cats.
It should be noted that although the munchkin accepts all kinds of colors and patterns due to its genetic diversity, this does not mean that it must be a miniaturized version of another race; It is considered munchkin when it comprises a unique cat, despite having common features with other feline breeds.
Their character
The fact of having such short limbs does not make the munchkin cat a slow or clumsy cat, quite the contrary! Precisely this characteristic trait has made it an agile, fast, dynamic, and light cat. The munchkin is capable of reaching high speeds and heights. As well as entering any gap or hole, however small it may seem.
On the other hand, this feline breed stands out for its great intelligence and energy, being one of the most active, playful, and affectionate cats. Also, the munchkin is friendly, outgoing, and docile. They’re also quite curious. Therefore, they’re always looking for a way to see what is happening around them. To control the environment and get to know every corner of the home. These cats love to explore and learn new things every day. So offering new stimuli, toys and challenges is a must for their tutors.
Munchkin Cat Care
Brushing
The munchkin cat does not require exceptional care or different from other breeds of cats. Depending on their hair type, they should receive more or less weekly brushing. The recommended minimum is once or twice a week to remove any knots that may form, dead hair, and thus avoid the dreaded hairballs. If the feline has long hair, it will be essential to carry out 3-4 weekly brushing sessions for them. Which can be increased during the molting season. As for the bath, as it happens with the other feline breeds, it should be done when it is really dirty and using products designed for cats and adapted to their coat.
Hygiene
The sandbox will be placed away from the food and water bowls, as well as from the bed, to maintain a distance between the place of rest and that of doing your needs. Cats are very neat animals and the munchkin is no exception. Likewise, if there is more than one cat in the home, it is important to place one litter box per cat and an extra one to avoid behavioral and territorial problems. Regarding the type of sand, the animal’s preferred should be chosen, since some cats have a substrate while others opt for a totally different one. Of course, it is advisable to avoid scented sands.
Keeping them Stimulated(Physically and Mentally)!
Hygiene aside and focusing on the care of the munchkin cat to maintain its emotional stability, it is important to offer this feline breed varied toys, activities that keep it physically and mentally stimulated because, as we said, it is a very active and intelligent cat.
Another way to meet their needs is through education. Luckily the munchkin cat is capable of learning countless tricks, like a paw, find and bring the ball, etc. To achieve the best results, it is necessary to use positive reinforcement. Since it allows the animal to understand what it is doing, how it should do it correctly, and, at the same time, it wants to continue learning. Through punishment, it is only possible to enhance fear and even aggressiveness as a consequence.
If you can’t offer the munchkin cat all the exercise and stimulation it needs, you may want to go for another feline or crossbreed cat.
Their Health
The munchkin cat is a feline, in general, quite healthy, so it is usually not prone to any specific disease. Despite their characteristic limbs, they’re also not used to suffering from genetic or hereditary diseases. Likewise, it also does not present disorders in the mobility of its paws nor does it have a history of joint or spinal problems, on the contrary, it is a very agile cat. Of course, it is necessary to take care of their diet, offering them a quality one and monitoring the quantities, since, as usually happens with most cats, they could easily develop obesity and this would seriously harm their health.
In addition, especially when adopting a munchkin kitten, it is necessary to apply the obligatory vaccines as well as deworming it following the frequency guidelines stipulated by the veterinarian.
